The 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act established the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).

Its goal is to increase the number of low-income middle students prepared to enter and succeed in high school and postsecondary education through partnerships between schools, colleges and universities, the private sector, and community organizations. From 1999-2005, the California GEAR UP Programthe grant for the state as a wholeand the 43 GEAR UP Partnership Projectsserved over 200,000 students in 187 schools in 80 school districts.

Students in high school

Higher education is a must to survive in todays world. Getting additional education after high school can open the door to many career options and great learning opportunities. Choose your grade below to find out what you can do to get ready:

Enrolling in algebra or geometry classes and a foreign language for both semesters (most colleges have math and foreign language requirements)

Create a file of the following documents and notes:

Copies of report cards

List of awards and honors

List of school and community activities in which you are involved, including both paid and volunteer work, and descriptions of what you do

Get involved in other activities (such as sports, performing arts, volunteer work)

Explore different types of postsecondary institutions by visiting the find a collegesection

Find how to save for college and resources available to pay for college by visiting the pay for college page

*Information provided by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education

10th Grade

Investigate your career choice. Identify the type of school that fits your aspirations.

Attend college fairs and presentations by colleges that visit your school.

Create a file on your favorite colleges. Ask for literature about admissions, financial aid and your proposed major. Your counselor can provide contact information. Or check out colleges on the Web.

Review your current class schedule with your counselor to make sure you are taking necessary college preparatory courses.

Maintain good grades.

Create a personal résumé file. Save such items as copies of your report cards, diplomas and certificates, a list of your awards and honors, a list of all your school and community activities, any offices you hold in these organizations, and a list of jobs.

Review your current class schedule with your counselor to make sure you are still on track with your goals. Maintain good grades.

Take the PSAT; this is a practice test for the SAT. The results will give you and your counselor an idea of your strengths and the areas you need to improve.

Visit colleges that interest you. Call ahead to book a campus tour and a presentation about academic programs, admissions and financial aid. Try to meet with admissions, academic, student organizations and athletic staff. Prepare questions about the school and bring a transcript or list of courses you have taken since the 9th grade. Obtain registration materials and test dates for the SATor ACT. Taking the SATor ACTin the spring or summer lets you get your results and meet with a counselor to see if you should re-test in the fall. Prepare for the tests by reading books and manuals with testing tips and sample questions.

Update your résumé file. Investigate summer programs, workshops and camps in your community. These may help with college admissions.

Evaluate the schools you visited. Decide which ones have the right programs that best fit your needs.

12th Grade

September

Make a list of important deadlines for college admissions and financial aid applications.

Pick up the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at your high schools counselors office, your local or college library or college financial aid office.

Review your Student Aid Report, or SAR, which you should receive within four weeks of filing your FAFSA, or sooner if you file online. If you havent received the SAR contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1.800.4FED.AID.

Prepare a financial plan. Go to EdWise®, EdFund's online financial planning guide at www.edwise.org. Proceed with the application for school housing if you plan to live on campus. Watch these deadlines carefully.

Helping them take the right junior high and high school courses based on the type of school they wish to enroll in after high school. For more information about courses, visit the students in high school section

Encouraging them to maintain good grades throughout their high school experience.

Helping them decide on the right school by researching the school's curriculum, the size of the school, the type of school, and a school's affordability.

Saving for college and learning about the financial aid available. Visit our section on paying for college.

To learn about special resources offered in your state, visit our section on what resources are available to help? *Information provided by Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education

Adult learners

Education is for everyone. About 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher education. Most colleges have structured programs and services specifically for adult learners.

Career Options

Why are you considering returning to school? By focusing on your reason, you can better determine your career and educational goals. Do you want to change careers, increase your earning potential, and/or resume your college education and finish a degree program? Which careers match your skills and interests? There are probably more than you can imagine. Visit our section on career planning for assistance.

Things to Consider

Getting training after high school may help you get a better-paying job doing work you enjoy. But going to school is a big investment. You're investing your time. Chances are you'll also have to invest your own money or take out a student loan to go to school. So you need to be sure that you're choosing the right school.

Shop around. Contact more than one school. If you're looking for vocational training, check the Yellow Pages under "Schools" for phone numbers. If your area has a community college, call the admissions office and find out what kinds of training the college offers. For information about all the different types of postsecondary institutions, visit our section on finding a college.

Visit the school. Call the school and schedule a visit, preferably while classes are being taught. Get a feel for the school; make sure you're comfortable with the facilities, the equipment, the teachers and the students.

Don't be afraid to ask! A good school will be happy to answer your questions about its programs. Ask the school about its students: How many graduate? How many get jobs because of the training they received? What kind of job placement services does the school offer students and graduates?

Check the cost. Make sure the school gives you a clear statement of its tuition and fees. Remember that any federal financial aid you get will be applied first to paying the school's tuition and fees. If there's any money left over, the school will give it to you to help you pay for things such as food and rent. Visit our section on paying for college for more information.

General Education Development (GED) Certificate

Adults who wish to continue their education and have not received a high school diploma can take the test for a General Education Development (GED) Certificate. Nearly all U.S. colleges and universities accept GED graduates who meet their other qualifications for admission. More information about how to take the GED.

Taking Tests

Once you have assessed your interests and determined what type of program you want to enroll in, you may be required to take one or more standardized tests. Visit our section on college entrance examsfor more information.